Overview
- Trump shared Franklin Graham’s defense letter on Truth Social on Thursday, with Graham saying Trump thought the image showed a doctor helping someone and removed it after concerns.
- Two Trump advisers said Federal Housing Finance Agency chief Bill Pulte brought the meme to the president’s attention in South Florida, though the image’s original source remains unverified.
- Rep. Troy Nehls told reporters on Thursday that Trump is “almost a second coming,” a remark that landed as the president feuds with Pope Leo XIV over his rhetoric and conduct on Iran.
- Critics including former Rep. Adam Kinzinger condemned Graham and other clergy for excusing the post, and Speaker Mike Johnson says he urged Trump to take it down after it stayed online for about 13 hours.
- Trump also reposted an image showing Jesus at his shoulder, which Graham described as guidance, while right-leaning outlets highlighted Graham’s support and others focused on backlash and political risks with religious voters.